Carolina Panthers: Top takeaways from win over Dallas Cowboys

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Punter Michael Palardy #5 of the Carolina Panthers punts the ball against wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Punter Michael Palardy #5 of the Carolina Panthers punts the ball against wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Michael Palardy: Panthers’ unsung hero

In games like this, the punter plays a critical role in the team’s success and usually doesn’t get the credit they deserve. In the game against the Cowboys, Michael Palardy helped the Panthers in the field position battle and keep the Cowboys offense pinned deep in their end.

Palardy finished the game with six punts, averaged 47.8 yards per punt with three punts inside the 20 and only one that was a touchback.

It was a bit of a surprise last year when the Carolina Panthers decided to keep Palardy over Andy Lee to start the 2017 season. However, he has been a dependable punter during his time with the Panthers and been a key contributor at times like in the game against the Dallas Cowboys.